SEVEN DRIVES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 201, 25 August 1937, Page 19

SEVEN DRIVES.

takanini trainer. WILL PROVIDE FAVOURITES. BRIGHT prospects op team. Recognised as one of the most successful trainers in the North Island, there is always a lot of interest in the horses that compete from F. J. Smith's stable, and as be will be represented in seven of the eight races on Saturday he is in for a busy time. The public can usually be relied upon to support the stable in no 6 mall degree, and in all probability he will supply more than his share of favourites. Smith will commence by handling Querida in the Introductory Handicap, and the mare would have to be considered if ghe could be relied upon to go steadily all the way. However, she is a bit too unreliable for the a erage better. Although the stable had three nominations in the Mount Eden Handicap, Grattan Girl will be the only starter, as Bexley Girl was not considered forward enough, and Scrap Iron was displaying signs of soreness. Grattan Girl has shown promising form

but may find it a trifle difficult to give 36yds and a beating to some, of those nearer the front. As the result of his foab at Addington Nervie's Last looks like starting favourite for the August Handicap, and. this fine imhoppled pacer should prove the hardest to" beat. In the Grey Lynn Handicap Smith -will have both Sandusky and Crocus, and the- elect of the pair should take a lot of beating. Both horses showed excellent form last season, and they axe 'certain to reach a higher plane, especially Sandusky, who is one of the best three-year-olds. seen in Auckland for some time. The aristocratically-bred Swordsman will be Smith's next drive, and as he has shown distinct signs of' improvement he should be one of the best supported in the Royal Oak Handicap. This trotter was placed each day at the last Auckland meeting, and may go one better on this occasion. Smith will be behind Musketeer in the Orakei Handicap. This colt has plenty of speed, and will only need to pace solidly to play a prominent part, as he is not badly treated on 24yds. Smith will conclude the day by driving King's Warrior or Nervie's Last in the Massey Memorial, and maybe the former will be the elect of the stable. King's Warrior showed outstanding form at Addington, and will not lack for condition on Saturday. Smith looks like taking part in. the decision of the majority of races, and it will be surprising if he does not win some of them. One thing in his favour will lje the fact*-jiliais 'iWSfe'~of' his representatives -will _ lack for anything on the score .of condition. <